Islamic State torches oil field snear Tikrit as Iraqi soldiers advance

A witness and a military source said Islamic State fighters ignited the fire at the Ajil oil field to shield themselves from attack by Shi’ite militiamen and IIraqi military helicopters. Control of oil fields has played an important part in funding Islamic State, even if it lacks the technical expertise to run them at full capacity.

The burning oil wells will not affect us. He said operations were continuing as planned.

Gen. Abdul-Wahab al-Saadi, in charge of recapturing Tikrit

The outcome of the battle for Tikrit, best known as the home town of executed Sunni president Saddam Hussein, will determine whether and how fast the Iraqi forces can advance further north and attempt to win back Mosul, the biggest city under Islamic State rule. Tehran, not Washington, has been the key player in the current offensive, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard general Qassem Soleimani seen directing operations on the eastern flank, and Iranian-backed militia leading much of the operation.

Tikrit Middle East